Election officials said Thursday they will accept applications postmarked as late as Tuesday. The deadline had been Saturday.

South Carolina is among states where voter applications are accepted up to 30 days before an election. But that falls on a Sunday this year. Monday is Columbus Day, when there will be no postal service.

The election agency says the extension will also help people who cannot register in person in government offices closed as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

Applications submitted online or by email will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Sunday. The deadline for people applying in person at county voter registration offices is still Saturday.

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